Motorcyclist Hit By School Bus Monday Has Passed Away

March 15, 2014

A motorcyclist has passed away from injuries he received when he hit a school bus that pulled into his path Monday afternoon.

School bus driver Brenda Gentry Matchett, 66, attempted to pull from the stop sign on 46th Avenue onto Lillian Highway. She failed to see motorcyclist Larry Dakota Austin, 22, and pulled the school bus into the path of his 1998 Honda motorcycle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Austin attempted to stop before hitting the bus but was unable to do so, according to the FHP. He slid under the bus, colliding with the right rear tires before sliding out into Lillian Highway, troopers said.

Austin was transported by Escambia County EMS to Baptist Hospital in critical condition. He passed away from his injuries Friday morning.

Charges in the accident are pending investigation, the FHP said.

Comments

13 Responses to “Motorcyclist Hit By School Bus Monday Has Passed Away”

  1. Ouch on March 19th, 2014 7:45 pm

    Motorcycles can be safe but when most people are not paying attention to what they are doing that is when bad things happen. The safest drivers on the road are usually the ones that are not driving a car, pick up, SUV or van. All other types of vehicles and drivers are safe drivers. I ride my bike everywhere and I try my best to stay away from all other traffic. I ride back roads mainly.

  2. daniel on March 17th, 2014 11:35 am

    Motorcycles are dangerous just due to the fact you have no protection in the event of a mishap. Helmets help but are not enough. Running with your head lights on helps but it is not enough. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think we should outlaw Bikes as a matter of fact I use to ride a bike, many years ago and enjoyed it. Nothing like a ride down 98 on late summer evening. My fovorite time to ride was early fall. It was cool enough to wear a leather jacket and be comfortable. I used to enjoy getting together with friends and taking short trips just to see the country side. Maybe I’ll buy me a motorcycle and take up riding again. May be for my last birthday!!

  3. Luz on March 16th, 2014 8:47 am

    I watch for bike riders cause I’m scared to death it’ll be my fault and I want to be safe. One sunny morning I was traveling on Wild Lake heading towards Pine Forest, this street is hovered by Oak Trees. A motorcycle pulled out in front of me from a side street. To his defense he did stop at sign but still pulled out but I did not have to slam the brakes. However he was wearing a grey helmet, black clothes and bike was black. He literally disappeared in the shade of street that the oaks trees covered. It startled me he was gone? Then he reappeared in the sun. At times they can be hard to see this is one reason I look even better just because of this.

  4. Helmets save lives on March 16th, 2014 6:54 am

    Another example of why “Vulnerable Road Users” as Greg Evers calls them SHOULD BE REQUIRED to wear helmets.

  5. Bob's Brother on March 15th, 2014 9:53 pm

    In my humble opinion, small planes are vastly safer than street motorcycles. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the deceased , the bus driver, and any students that may have been onboard the bus. God Bless you all.

  6. Bill2 on March 15th, 2014 7:47 pm

    Rest in peace dude ,it wasn’t your fault no matter what color jacket you where wearing

  7. Harvey Cardwell on March 15th, 2014 7:21 pm

    I was close and I heard an explosion, at my first thoughts, it had to be a meth lab of some sort. As I left my location, headed home, I come across the scattered debris at the scene, traffic was detoured of course by this time, But I noticed the setting sun, in the west looking the direction the motorcycle was coming from was so blinding, I can confess that this bus driver just could not see the bike! such a tragic loss and accident for all involved! I am praying for both the Driver and the young mans families.

  8. Believer in Neon Green Vest on March 15th, 2014 5:50 pm

    I appreciate those riders who have abandoned the old black leather for the cooler and SAFER neon orange and green vests and jackets. Thank you to all who ride safer and saner.

  9. one eyed jack on March 15th, 2014 7:22 am

    Rest in peace young man ,so sad for all involved

  10. Freda Whaley on March 15th, 2014 7:01 am

    My heart goes out to the family of this young man and to the bus driver.

  11. 429SCJ on March 15th, 2014 6:48 am

    As I become older I find myself checking the path several times before I cross it, and still?

    I know that Ms Matchett is just devastated by this terrible accident. My prayers go out to her and the loved ones and family of Mr Austin.

  12. Puddin on March 15th, 2014 6:47 am

    Sorry to hear this. Motorcycles are so incredibly hard to see. Ive known Brenda for years and shes a good driver. I know shes devestated by this. Please be in prayer for both families.

    Look twice for motorcycles.

  13. Mother of NHS Senior on March 15th, 2014 5:52 am

    What a shame. Thoughts go out to family. Sorry for your loss.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News